Top 10 Windows Registry Hacks

In Windows registry holds the key importance.  There are some behind the curtain features in Windows, which can only be accessed by editing the registry. Essentially, Windows registry includes useful settings that can be used to improve it’s performance. Modifying the registry allows fixing of security holes and changing even the most basic Windows operations. Moreover, certain feature manipulations are exclusively dependent on registry. Well, there are some cool ways to hack the registry and make you computing experience on Windows a lot better. We sorted out the top 10 Windows registry hacks to make your Windows usage extremely comfortable.

1. Registry Hack to enable Aero in Windows

You all know about Vistas Aero Glass Transparency Effect one it’s coolest features. Well, what about having it on your Windows 7.
Here’s a registry hack to enable Aero in Windows 7

Step 1: Click on Start and type regedit at run

Step 2: Go to the following registry key

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM

Step 3: In the right details pane, create the following three DWORD (32-bit value) entry UseMachineCheck and set the value to 0.

Step 4: Close Regeedit

Step 5: Click on Start and type CMD with administrative Priviliges

Step 6: Now Type following command

Net Stop uxsms

Net Start uxsms

With the above command you will be able to stop and start Desktop Windows Session Manager

Step 7: Now to Enable Aero right click on desktop>Personalize>Windows Colors.

2. Save on CPU time

In any average PC, you have several programs using the processor at any one time. Windows allocates each program a period of CPU time - a quantum, before moving to the next. Although this allows a more responsive PC, but it might also waste a lot of time switching from one application to another. If you are looking to save on your CPU time you can pick this registry hack, Navigate to

HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControl Set\Control\PriorityControl\Win32PrioritySeparation and set it to 16 (hex).

This will set the system for longer quantum’s, which would further mean fewer switches between programs and so it offers less wasted time. Some programs can be pushed too far and you might begin to notice games lagging or video playback becoming smooth. In case you spot any problems just restore the original Win32Separation value.

3. Encryption of files

Some Windows versions allows you to encrypt files. However, this involves an long drawn process.

For an easier alternative use this registry hack

Step 1: Go to

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Step 2: Create a new DWORD called EncryptionContextMenu and set the value to 1.

Once you are done you can just right-click a file and select Encrypt

4. Improve Security

How secured is your computer? Suppose you have logged on to your PC and go for a break. Meanwhile your friend inserts a USB flash drive and make copies of your data without our knowledge. What do you do? Just follow this registry hack to save your important data from prying eyes

Step 1: Go to

HKLM\SYSTEM\Current ControlSet\Control\StorageDevice Policies

Step 2: Create a DWORD value called WriteProtect and set it to 1

Once done, you can read the USB drives but not write them.

5. 10 Windows Security Registry Hacks v1.0

This 10 Windows Security Registry Hacks utility performs 10 basic security changes to your system registry (i.e. Restrict Anonymous Access) that enhances the security of indows 2K/03 server or XP workstation quickly.

Download

6. Log-in into multiple Live Messenger

Well, by default Windows Live Messenger has been set to log into one account at time. There’s a cool registry hack the would allow you to log into multiple Windows Live Messengers. Let’s see how

Step 1: Navigate to

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live\Messenger

Step 2: Create a DWORD value called Multiple Instances and set the value to 1

To restore things the way it was just delete this value.

7. Disabling The UAC in Vista

Some times the Vista User Access Control dialog really irks. If your work doesn’t involve too much of security.

If you wanna get rid of the UAC , go ahead with this registry hack

Step 1: Get to the

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Step 2: Look for the key ConsentPromtpBehaviorAdmin

Step 3: Change the DWORD entry to 00000000

Once the change is done, the UAC would get out of your way.

8. Speed up access to hard drive in Vista

Sometimes it takes a bit of time access your hard drive if you have overloaded it. If you are looking to access your hard drives faster than usual use this re hack.

Step 1: Navigate to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem

Step 2: Find the DWORD called NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation. Change the value to 1

9. Slow Down Animations with the Shift Key

Are you one of those who loves to watch your Animations with full fervor. Here’s a registry hack for Windows Vista that would slow down your Animations and make them real eye-candy

Step 1: Navigate to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/DWM

Step 2: Change the DWORD to AnimationsShiftKey and set the value to 1

Now the you can watch slow down Vista animations, hold down the Shift key before the show starts. If you are about to minimize an  Explore session hold down the Shift key and minimize it.

10.  Change the default installation folder

By default all your installation are routed to Program Files Folder. In case, your Program files is overstuffed and you wanna re-route the installation to any other folder try this hack.

Step 1: Navigate to

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

Step 2: Change the PogramFilesDir entry to your preferred folder and reboot.